Assuming the guy who runs as fast as possible to the returner is called "gunner" McKnight did a hell of a job yeterday... much better than what Cole usually does (although I think he's very solid too). I'm not to high on McK contributing this year on O (btw, couldn't they have given him some carries later in the game when it was over?) but wow, that's impressive ST value right there. PS On the neg side... what the hell has happened to Wilson's returning skills!? He can barely stay on his feet. Boy, I hope a full off-season really helps him out.
The McKnight bashers were killing him because he couldn't even contribute to special teams. Now all they have to go on is the fact the he has a hall of famer and Greene taking all the carries.
I'm a McKnight basher regarding his O contribution... never said anything about ST . Yeah Mauga made some sick stops... hopefully he's that ILB + ST ace we've been searching for a long time! Ray Maualuga and Josh Mauga had a baby...
I was hoping they'd throw him in on offense toward the end for a few carries. Rex said in TC the way to be on this team is to be great on special teams. McKnight is really taking that message to heart.
Nice job McKnight. Rex was praising him a few weeks back and apparently Joe earned his spot on the roster by practicing hard. If they can get this kid motivated to improve, lookout. The natural ability is there, just have to get his head on straight.
I watched him on one of the punts and he is extrememly fast he was able to beat his 2 defenders down the sideline after they pushed him out. I actually like Cole, think he is one of the Jets best special teamers.
Josh Mauga deserves this thread. I really, really, really hope we can finally develop a ST linebacker. Up until now, we've depended on DB's and WR's to do the dirty work on kicks and punts. With the exception of the blocked punt, of course, Mauga looked terrific on ST yesterday. Stay healthy young man, lest Westy order you to the pizzeria!
Punt returning requires some key blocks before the ball even gets to him and we haven't been giving Kyle the blocks. So STFU.
Um, blocks don't prevent you from falling down, or from holding the ball out loosely with one hand where defenders can knock it out. He's done a terrible job returning punts when he's been back there. Does that mean he can't do the job? No, he's young, athletic, and could do it in college. But he has been bad so far. The blocking hasn't been great, but Wilson's problems have nothing to do with that.
